Lucretia 1575 - 1599

This roundel, or portrait medal, of Lucretia was made by Antonio Abondio in the late 16th century, likely from cast lead or a similar metal alloy. The artist, an Italian sculptor, was known for his small-scale portraiture and medal work. What I find most fascinating about this piece is the directness of the artist's engagement with his material, and its connection to social status. The process of casting metal allows for the creation of multiples, suggesting this wasn't a unique commission. But consider the skill involved in capturing the details of Lucretia's face on such a small scale, and with metal. The relative cheapness of the medium would have made the image accessible to a wider audience than a painting, but still signalled the patron's refinement. The medal is a reminder that art is not just about individual genius, but also about the technologies and social contexts that make art possible. It prompts us to question the traditional hierarchies of art and craft.